48 Comments
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John Wozniak's avatar

Featuring in the Weekend Scoop!

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Holly's avatar

Thank you so much John!

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Andy Carter's avatar

What a brilliant, honest piece. The “high definition” line is so good. Good on you for knocking the booze and really pleased to hear it’s working out for you!

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Holly's avatar

Andy - thank you so much. Everything WAS duller for me before, but I didn’t realize it!

It means a lot to me that you’ve taken the time to comment. I love this community and I’m glad to be here with you.

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Allison Taylor Conway's avatar

Dear Holly, thank you so much for sharing this intimate post. I'm so touched by it, and I'm ecstatic to hear that you were able to collect yourself back over the line. In time for you to know healing, and to embody it for your precious daughter. And what a beautiful necklace from such a kind, supportive friend! That picture made me smile, thank you for sharing it. I'm celebrating you.

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Holly's avatar

Thank you so much Allison. All your talk about the ring made me remember it. My friend Carrie, who commented in this post, got it for me. So glad to be here and walking this path with you!

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Allison Taylor Conway's avatar

Oh Carrie! I liked her comment right away b/c ICE CREAM lol Isn't it amazing who we become when we are loved from the inside out. Hugsss.

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Carolyn's avatar

I couldn’t love this, or you, any more deeply. I’m so proud of you, so awed by your courage, and so grateful to you for my own sobriety journey. 3+ years for me, with you as my North Star 🌟 My only addiction now being ice cream. But, hey, I can stop at one bowl 😅

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Holly's avatar

I love you so much Carrie. You’ve been with me through all my formative years and everything life changing. You too are my North Star ⭐️ 🤍🤍🤍🤍

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Gary's avatar

Wow Holly, I had no idea the demons you defeated. Although I barely know you, I am so very proud of you! Thank you for sharing. I grew up with an alcoholic mother. It wasn't oretty.. oh my God, the stories I could tell. Mom has since passed, but when the final curtain dropped, she was 16 years sober. Your story brought back several memories, some good most bad. Thank you for sharing your journey. May your days continue to shine.

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Holly's avatar

Thank you so much Gary. This demon, I am actually proud of.

If we can create space where people feel comfortable to share, no one has to suffer in silence.

That’s amazing that your Mom turned it all around. Hardly anyone hasn’t been affected in some way by addiction either themselves or peripherally.

Again, very much appreciate your comment ❤️

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Kathleen Hobbs's avatar

I am so so proud of you, Holly that you did it for yourself. And in doing so you were right, your daughter will have such a better childhood and relationship with you. One day at a time.

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Holly's avatar

I’m not a subscriber to the AA mentality of one day at a time. I never had much struggle stopping. I know I’m done for all of my days.

Thanks, Kathleen always for reading and commenting.

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Abbey Rachel Beth's avatar

This is a really vulnerable post Holly, thank you. I know what it’s like to put your struggles out for public consumption! But it helped me ❤️

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Holly's avatar

I’m glad it helped you. Please reach out if I can guide you in any way. DM me anytime!

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Jay Grayson's avatar

Brilliant. November 19 of this year will be eight years sober for me. You couldn't pay me to take a drink, and I don't miss it at all. Congratulations (:

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Holly's avatar

You have almost double my sobriety time. It’s the best decision I ever made. Thank you for reading.

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Jay Grayson's avatar

Well, all either of us really has is today, so we're even. And you're welcome. I've been meaning to get through your posts so don't mind me haha

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Holly's avatar

Don't read the old ones. I was a different person then. 😜

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Jay Grayson's avatar

Haha those were written by your arch nemesis, the Antiholly.

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Holly's avatar

Holly 1.0

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John Guthrie's avatar

I'm glad you broke free from alcohol. I was a BIG drinker in the Navy. When I transitioned to civilian life, I kept drinking. My father was an alcoholic, and I was following in his footsteps.

Then, I met the love of my life, and my partner has been with me for 25 years.

For the first 90 days or so, I kept on drinking but then I stopped suddenly because I realized I found what and who I needed to fill that empty part of my life.

Now, 25 years later, I might share some wine at dinner with my partner about once a month, but I am in control of alcohol rather than it controlling me.

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Holly's avatar

That’s such a lovely story.

Yes, we are all looking for things to fill us up. I’ve definitely found other things these days.

Thank you for your comment. ❤️

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⚠️ Listen Closer's avatar

12 years sober and this resonates deeply. I thank past me every day for having the strength and courage to forge a new path out of the hell I was in.

I lost two best friends on my journey to sobriety, one to suicide and the other to murder; I couldnt have honored their memory the way I do now if I was still lost in a bottle.

Love this and hope you keep writing and living your truth!! 🙌🫶🌟

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Holly's avatar

What a beautiful comment.. You are honoring their memory now. No one ever regrets not drinking, honestly.

Glad to be on this path with you.

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Frank Bard's avatar

Congrats on your sobriety, chica. :)

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Holly's avatar

Thanks Frank. It’s been one of the best decisions I’ve made.

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Frank Bard's avatar

I hear ya. Lived around alcoholism my entire life. Several friends and family died from it. Addiction is a helluva yoke. Please do reach out to me, in our newfound, ether-net bond, if you need to bolster any defenses against temptation. xo

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Holly's avatar

Glad to have made a friend in you, Frank. Thank you. ❤️

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Frank Bard's avatar

Back at ya, Holly!

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Jack Jackson's avatar

I think that all the recovering alcoholics I know with disagree with me(because everyone always disagrees with me) but you don’t have to deal with shame anymore. That’s over with and you are better now. Better than before you quit. You’re the now you, not the before you.

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Holly's avatar

So…I have shame about a lot of other things. Catholic guilt? Who knows.

I’m definitely proud of my stopping drinking. I was never severe on the misuse scale but it was something that was dragging me down nonetheless. Thank you so much for your comment Jack. Glad to be here with you!

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Carly King's avatar

Thank you so much for sharing this. Alcoholism is so real and I have struggled with my addictive tendencies towards it also, and it runs through my family. Thank you for your vulnerability.

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Holly's avatar

You are very welcome. Family history stuff can be difficult - I’m right there with you. Addiction touches everyone either personally or peripherally.

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Gene Bray's avatar

Fantastic. I hope you keep writing. I realized I had a drinking problem when I started waking up in the morning saying..."Why am I on the sidewalk. Is this my blood?"

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Holly's avatar

Ouch. Sorry to hear that. And thank you for your comment. Are you on the other side of it now, I hope?

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Georgina Bruce's avatar

Well done. Much love and strength to you.

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Holly's avatar

Thanks Georgina 🤍

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Nicole Rinehart's avatar

This article is amazing…like you. ❤️

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Holly's avatar

Love you too.

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